Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train: Slab-launching crane collapses near Vatva, train operations affected

A segmental launching gantry (crane), which lifts and places segments of the elevated viaduct for the ongoing construction of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, skidded and fell near Vatva-Ropda Road near D-Mart, Ahmedabad, late on Sunday night around 10.28 pm.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to the incident.

The police and authorities rushed to the spot as soon as the incident took place. A total of three Bolero vehicles, one mini fire fighter, and two emergency tenders were deployed to manage the situation.

After a thorough assessment, all vehicles were withdrawn except for the Jashoda mini fire fighter, which has been stationed at the site as a precautionary measure to mitigate any emergency during debris removal.

There has been no damage to the construction due to the incident, but the falling crane may have slightly damaged the railway track running parallel to it.

Some of the trains have been rescheduled, and for some, the railway stations have been changed after the incident.

Railway authorities have issued a revised schedule, including full and partial cancellations along with route diversions of several trains.

Fully Cancelled Train  

Train No. 12933/12934 Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Karnavati Express scheduled for March 24, 2024, has been fully cancelled.

Partially Cancelled Trains  

1. Train No. 12009 Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express, scheduled for March 24, 2024, will terminate at Vadodara and remain partially cancelled between Vadodara and Ahmedabad.  

2. Train No. 12010 Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Shatabdi Express, scheduled for March 24, 2024, will originate from Vadodara and remain partially cancelled between Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

Route Diversions  

1. Train No. 12478 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Jamnagar Express of March 23, 2024 will run via Ratlam-Chittorgarh-Bedach-Udaipur City-Himmatnagar-Ahmedabad-Viramgam.  

2. Train No. 11090 Pune-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express of March 23, 2024 will operate via Vadodara-Ratlam-Chanderiya-Ajmer-Marwar.  

3. Train No. 15046 Okha-Gorakhpur Express of March 23, 2024 will be diverted via Ahmedabad-Asarwa-Himmatnagar-Udaipur-Ratlam.  

4. Train No. 09417 Ahmedabad-Danapur Special of March 24, 2024 will also run via Ahmedabad-Asarwa-Himmatnagar-Udaipur-Ratlam.

Authorities have confirmed that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the crane collapse and ensure the safe continuation of the project. Further updates are awaited as clearance operations continue at the site of collapse.